(State Representative Joe McDonald)
Wright County lawmakers, like most Minnesotans, continue to be in shock over the deadly gun attacks early Saturday morning that claimed the lives of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and severely injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
State Representative Joe McDonald of Delano says like most residents of the state, he continues to wrestle with the horrifying incidents, and is continuing to try to come to terms with the news…
“My thoughts and prayers continue to be right now continue to be for the continued healing of Senator Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Also with Melissa and Mark Hortman’s children, for them to mourn and for the Lord to comfort them in the pain and sorrow. Like everyone else I was shocked and dismayed by this dastardly deed.”
The GOP lawmaker says despite their party differences, he had great respect for the late Melissa Hortman…
“Melissa was really a kind, gentle person. She was a good speaker I thought, though of course we disagreed on some issues, some big issues, but we agreed on many other issues that were great for Minnesota. Things that moved forward like education and transportation, agriculture and higher ed, veteran’s issues. And she led, I think, with grace, she had a witty sense of humor. You know, the Speaker of the House doesn’t give many speeches from the Speaker’s Chair, they’re in charge of the decorum of the meeting…the session…and she did that very well. When the debate got heated, she had a grace and charm and a wit and sense of humor to be able to deescalate our debates with a sense of humor and compassion and fairness.”
State Representative Joe McDonald of Delano. More with Representative McDonald and other area lawmakers throughout the week.
